What do I believe? As an American I believe in generosity, in liberty, in the rights of man. These are social and political faiths that are part of me, as they are, I suppose, part of all of us. Such beliefs are easy to express. But part of me too is my relation to all life, my religion. And this is not so easy to talk about. Religious experience is highly intimate and, for me, ready words are not at hand.

Summary

This quote highlights the distinction between political beliefs and religious beliefs. The speaker acknowledges that their American identity is closely tied to values like generosity, liberty, and human rights, which are easily expressed in social and political contexts. However, they also recognize that their personal connection to spirituality and their understanding of the interconnectedness of all life is difficult to articulate with mere words. The quote emphasizes the deeply personal and often indescribable nature of religious experiences, suggesting that they go beyond verbal expression.

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